What is a fee address for maintenance fee purposes?
A fee address is a designated address for receiving communications related to maintenance fee payments for patents. According to MPEP 2540, “Generally, notices, receipts, and other communications relating to the payment of a maintenance fee will be directed to the correspondence address used during the prosecution of the application, unless a ‘fee address’ for the…
Read MoreHow can I request a customer number for patent-related purposes?
To request a customer number for patent-related purposes, you can use Form PTO/SB/125, titled “Request for Customer Number.” This form is specifically mentioned in MPEP 2595, which states: “Form PTO/SB/125 (“Request for Customer Number”) may be used to request a customer number.” A customer number is useful for various patent-related communications with the USPTO, including…
Read MoreHow can I designate a fee address for maintenance fee purposes?
To designate a fee address for maintenance fee purposes, you can use the following methods: At the time of issue fee payment, submit a “Fee Address” Indication Form (PTO/SB/47) as an attachment to the Issue Fee Transmittal (PTOL-85B). After issue fee payment, submit a “Fee Address” Indication Form (PTO/SB/47), and if necessary, a Request for…
Read MoreWhat is Private PAIR and how can I access it for international patent applications?
Private PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) is a system that displays information regarding patent application status, allowing applicants to access current patent application status electronically via the Internet. To access private PAIR for international applications, you must meet the following criteria: Be a registered patent attorney/agent, an independent inventor, or a person granted limited recognition…
Read MoreCan a Customer Number be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application?
No, a Customer Number cannot be used to appoint or revoke an agent in a PCT application during the international phase. This is an important distinction from national applications. Specifically: Appointment of an agent cannot be made by reference to a Customer Number in the international phase. Revocation of an agent’s appointment cannot be done…
Read MoreHow can I associate a previously filed international application with my customer number?
To associate a previously filed international application with your customer number, you need to submit a request to the USPTO. The request must include the following information: Your customer number The international application number Your registration number (if applicable) Signature of the applicant or attorney of record You can use Form PTO-2248 for this purpose,…
Read MoreHow do I associate a new international application with my customer number in EFS-Web?
To associate a new international application that you’re filing in EFS-Web with an existing customer number, follow these steps: Access the EFS-Web system Begin the process of filing your new international application When filling in the application data, locate the appropriate field for entering the customer number Enter your customer number in this field As…
Read MoreHow can I access patent application status information?
Patent application status information is available through two main systems: Patent Center: Provides information on issued patents, published patent applications, and applications to which a patented or published application claims domestic priority. Private Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR): Allows secure tracking of unpublished patent applications for applicants or registered practitioners with power of attorney. To…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle multiple correspondence addresses?
When multiple correspondence addresses are provided, the USPTO has a specific process for selection. According to 37 CFR 1.33(a): “If more than one correspondence address is specified, the Office will select one of the specified addresses for use as the correspondence address and, if given, may select the address associated with a Customer Number over…
Read MoreWhat is the Customer Number practice at the USPTO for patent applications?
What is the Customer Number practice at the USPTO for patent applications? The Customer Number practice at the USPTO is a system that simplifies the process of managing correspondence addresses for patent applicants and practitioners. Key aspects of this practice include: A Customer Number is a unique identifier assigned by the USPTO to a specific…
Read More